Morning on the Farm

I have wanted to paint this beautiful barn since I first saw it on my way to Rosebud. I could not have imagined I would be invited to paint this very place!  Lovely from all directions, the light was best from this one. Though I would love to paint the sunburst on the other side of the barn - the light was too direct with no shadows to draw the eye through the painting.  A perfect day, perfect light and a perfect scene - this was a lovely plein air day!  Painting number 3943 in 3943 days.  So happy this painting has a new home, too. 

Red Barn Reflections

 

It feels like stepping back in time to paint the vintage farms of rural Van Buren County, Iowa!  The barn and silo reflecting on that water was irresistible, and it was my first paint upon arriving at this place.  Battling the bugs to get it done - it was worth every minute of it!  Who knew it would only be the beginning of "bug week"?  Every day is a plein air adventure - and cougars and elk would be next up for wildlife sightings!  I love getting to paint these special places in the heartland! Thank you veterans, for the freedom to do so!  Happy Memorial Day!  Painting number 3793 in 3793 days. 

Ozarkland

 I just had to return to this corner to capture Ozarkland in ink and watercolor.  This time I am set up diagonally across the square from this iconic place. This intersection is so busy, and interesting!  The square is set like a diamond on the cross of streets from the points. Parking is on several sides with small shade trees to offer cover on this very hot day. I planned to go paint the Ha Ha Tonka castle ruins, too, but I've run out of time!  I've used three kinds of ink on this one before adding watercolor, De Atramentis Archive Ink, Robert Oster's Thunderstorm, and Levenger's Raven Black. The first one is for the sketchy lines I want to stay the second is a great shadow shade, and the last is for lines I want to move.  I have so many inks, perhaps I should explore with more of them in the field.  These favorites are almost always with me!  Painting number 3135 in 3135 days. 

Autumn Barn

 I had stopped by this place right before judging, and the light was starting to illuminate the scene. Without time to paint, I rushed off, knowing I must get back quickly to paint it!  Darting out at my first opportunity, I quickly set up and started painting. The light grew more golden as those shadows stretched out, and I painted as fast as I could to finish before dark.  Autumn here is magical, I'm so happy I could paint this sweet slice of Americana! Painting number 2854 in 2854 days. 

Lodge at Ironwoods

 I love exploring new places in ink and watercolor!  The Monday Morning Watercolorists are introducing me to plenty of parks that I have never been to!  Like a mini vacation, these little painting windows restore my soul and open my eyes to new surroundings!  Though I did not get to them with paint today - the winding creeks here must be revisited with my oils!  So many wonderful paintings just waiting here to be painted!  Painting number 2824 in 2824 days. 

Doug and Cindy's Labor of Love

What a beautiful place to paint in the morning light!  This house and very large barn are being restored to their former glory by one of my high school friends, Doug and his wife Cindy. After seeing a photograph as I was painting in Door County, Wisconsin, I HAD to stop by on the way home to capture this jewel in oils!  It was really a pleasure to spend a few morning hours here soaking up the beauty.  I wish all such places would be restored!  Thanks, Doug! Painting number 2408 in 2408 days.

Clouds Over the Red Barn

Mid day, the clouds started building with the heat, and I watched and waited.  As they grew thick and the winds kicked up, they were ripe for the painting!  I chose to paint towards the north today, where the color was rich.  To the south, they were far more washed out, with very little value difference, though they were rimmed in gold light - which was tempting!  When I approach a cloud painting, I squint down my eyes and start applying the masses that stand out, mindful of the values.  When the clouds are blowing, I do this quickly, hoping to put down all that information before they are out of view.  Once the panel is covered, I start checking edges.  Where are they soft?  Hard?  Always, I'm checking the sky, trying to capture it's likeness.  I REALLY do love painting a cloudscape.  Painting number 2066 in 2066 days.

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Barn at Wood Orchard

Scouting for a painting spot between Egg Harbor and Fish Creek, I saw this beauty from the road and HAD to turn in!  Better yet, the Wood Orchard Market was open and full of all things cherry!  It is cherry season up here in Door County, and I am doing my part to support the local economy.  Cherries, cherry mead, cherry poppyseed dressing, cherry strudel are just the beginning of my "cherry" week!  This barn is just beyond a tall grassy field with wildflowers, and that light was simply amazing!  I HAD to paint this scene!  Sometimes, a play just calls to me, and I HAVE to answer!  So glad I squeezed this in before the sunset paint!  Painting number 2012 in 2012 days.

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